Tokyo Clanpool

Unfortunately, all of Tokyo Clanpool’s misleading intentions led the game into a complete mess of empty and uninspired concepts, and consequently turns itself into a big graveyard of good intentions amidst other titles that do the same thing Tokyo Clanpool sets out to do, only much better.

Even with a story that doesn't dedicate itself to working or subverting its clichés, it's straight to the point and the visual and sound competence help the narrative to move forward without too many problems. If you can overcome the "barrier" that is the game's UI, and random battles don't bother you, Tokyo Clanpool manages to entertain you throughout its surprising 30-40 hours of campaign.

I don’t think anyone who looks at Tokyo Clanpool will be under any illusions about whether it’s for them or not. The game wears its charms on its sleeve and delivers a quality and consistently amusing, if somewhat mechanically standard, dungeon crawler behind it. It’s unfortunate that the “censorship” of a small part of it will cost it within the small niche audience for the game, but just know that it’s a far better game than you might see in the user reviews. They’re upset about the removed elements. What’s left there is highly enjoyable if you’re there for a frivolous, silly, charming and funny dungeon-crawling JRPG, rather than the touch-em-up minigame.

I haven't played a dungeon crawler RPG as satisfying and unique as Tokyo Clanpool in a very long time and I'm super-happy that it's as great of an experience as it is so if you enjoy these kinds of games and can get your hands on a copy, definitely take the plunge. 🗼

Combine all this with a solid soundtrack, excellent voiceover work and the trademark silly humor of Compile Heart’s ridiculous character creations, and Tokyo Clanpool is one of the better dungeon crawlers I’ve gotten on the Switch. While exposition can take a while and the plot is a little run of the mill, it’s got heart and it’s cute, and I seriously thought the added mechanics were inventive. It takes a lot to run right alongside an Atlus mechanic and not be too samey or grotesque in your inspiration, and Tokyo Clanpool has done it.